How Can I Stop Feeling Average?

I need help, but I'm not exactly sure where to start. I'm about 5'11", 150 lbs., have blonde hair, and blue eyes. I don't feel like I have low self-esteem exactly - it's more like I feel average. A lot of people at my school dye their hair blonde and wear colored contacts, so even though I used to feel special, now I feel like there's no way for me to stand out. My weight has always been a problem for me as well. I feel too bulky. Sometimes I'm really happy about the way I look, but other times I cry about it. Guys tell me I'm pretty and I've had a lot of boyfriends, so why do I still feel lame? I want to stand out and have people notice me. How can I stop feeling like just another average girl?

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Britt

Dear Britt,

There is no simple way to say this, other than you are more unique than you imagine. The way you look plays a very small part in shaping the person you are. Your sense of humor, talents, dreams, friendships, and the message you send the world is what makes you special - not your eyes or your hair. I hope you will begin to understand what a gem you really are and that you are far from being "just another average girl". That feeling of "lameness" is perhaps because you are not spending your valuable time in life doing things that fill you up, being a service to others (try volunteering!) or spending time with people who matter most in your life. One way to combat all this negative self-talk is to get out there and live your life. Stop waiting to feel beautiful. You feel beautiful by doing beautiful things!